Summer is the theme of this week's Setlist with two summer concert series (expect many more of these throughout the next few months) and a season kickoff event.
Rich & Germaine, AKA Rich Mattson & Germaine Gemberling, are playing the Bands, Brews & BBQs summer concert series at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. Most often seen playing in Rich Mattson & The Northstars, the pair are longtime Minnesota music scene members. Mattson has been in countless bands going back to the Glenrustles in the '80s, and Gemberling began her career in '90s punk band Smut. The series takes place Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.
Another Thursday evening summer concert series is the 2nd St. Stage in Park Rapids. This one kicks off this week with the Mae Simpson Band, a funk, soul and blues group led by the powerhouse vocalist Simpson. In 2023, they released their terrific debut album, Chandelier & Bloom. Music begins at 6 p.m.
On Friday, Sam Miltich is playing Brigid's Irish Pub in Bemidji at 6 p.m. The jazz guitarist will be joined by his father Matthew, and another frequent collaborator Mark Kreitzer. Miltich is a talented guitarist who plays hot club and straight ahead jazz plus Balkan folk music.
Giants Ridge in Biwabik is hosting the Gear Up for Summer event this Saturday with live music to go along with a variety of summer activities. In addition to free mountain bike clinics and kids activities, rootsy Americana singer-songwriter Christopher David Hanson is playing at 10 a.m. followed by folk rock group MorningBird at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12
- Rich & Germaine - 5:30 p.m., Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm, free
- Mae Simpson Band - 6 p.m., 2nd St. Stage, Park Rapids, freeLorie Shaull
Mae Simpson with Jorgen Wadkins at Kick it with KAXE at Rapids Brewing Co. on May 16, 2024, in Grand Rapids.
Friday, June 13
- Sam Miltich - 6 p.m., Brigid's Irish Pub, Bemidji, free
Saturday, June 14
- Christopher David Hanson, MorningBird - 10 a.m., Giants Ridge, Biwabik, free
The weekly live music spotlight is made possible by the citizens of Minnesota through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.